Gulf Shores Vacation and Activities

What Are the Benefits of Purchasing Travel Insurance?

Sometimes, our travel plans don’t go as expected. Perhaps an emergency happens and you have to cancel your trip at the last minute. Maybe you’re already on vacation but need to cut it short and fly back home early. In these cases, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance. After all, the last thing you want is to see thousands of nonrefundable dollars go down the drain because of an unforeseen event! Read on to discover the benefits of purchasing travel insurance for your next Gulf Shores getaway! 

Top 3 of Benefits of Purchasing Travel Insurance

1. It Can Save You Money in The Long Run

While 9 times out of 10, everything will go as planned, having to pay for a nonrefundable vacation is a very expensive mistake. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a medical emergency, sudden loss of a loved one, or a flight cancellation, unpredictable things do happen! Why take the risk? Because it can save you big money in the long-run, the benefits of travel insurance outweigh the disadvantages. Plus, if your trip gets cut short, you can always file a claim.

Many of our guests wonder when is it too late to buy travel insurance? To qualify for full coverage, you must purchase within the first 21 days from the day that the booking was made.  Don’t wait until the natural disaster strikes and it’s too late. Plan ahead and get covered well in advance.

2. It Will Put Your Mind at Ease

Another benefit of travel insurance is that you’ll enjoy peace of mind. It is good to know that you are covered in case something does come up. Instead of worrying about the possibility of what could go wrong, you can enjoy a stress-free getaway relaxing on the beach!

3. Replace Lost or Stolen Luggage

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for visitors to lose their luggage while traveling. Perhaps you set your purse down while you were out sightseeing and then later realized it was missing. Maybe your luggage was lost on a flight or, even worse, stolen at the airport. Whether your items were lost or stolen, having travel insurance can help reimburse you in the worst-case scenario. 

Book Your Gulf Shores, Alabama, Getaway With Harris Vacation Rentals

Now that you know about the benefits of purchasing travel insurance, it’s time to plan a worry-free vacation along the Alabama Coast! When it comes to the best accommodations in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, look no further than Harris Vacation Rentals. Whether you prefer to stay in a large Gulf-front home, an intimate condo with a private pool, or a pet-friendly accommodation, we are sure to have the ideal property for your stay! Check our current travel deals and discounts and contact us to book your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

 

 

How to Have the Best Memorial Day in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and that means it’s officially time to start planning your getaway to Gulf Shores, Alabama! Come soak up the sun, build sandcastles, and enjoy the company of friends and family. On Memorial Day, we celebrate the beginning of a summer season filled with long weeks and weekends on Alabama’s white-sand beaches. So, what are you waiting for? Leave school and work behind and come celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Gulf Shores!

If you’re planning to join us for an unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend in Gulf Shores, you’ll want to plan your itinerary ahead of time. There are so many amazing activities and attractions available along our sugar-white shores. And when you book a Harris Vacation Rentals family vacation rental, you’ll even receive up to $100 off local tours and activities through TripShock. Planning the perfect vacation has never been easier!

How to Celebrate Memorial Day in Gulf Shores

1. Attend The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show

Kick off the weekend with The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show. This highly-anticipated festival will take place March 20th – 22nd in beautiful Orange Beach, Alabama. When you go, you’ll find over $150 million in boats and marine products on display, as well as  exhibitor displays, educational workshops, live music, and so much more. Book your stay in one of our Orange Beach vacation rentals to stay near the festival.

2. Hit the Beach

This Memorial Day Weekend, it’s all about the beach! Come relax on our sugar-white shores, sink your toes into the sand, and enjoy bonding with family and friends in a beautiful destination. Play in the Gulf, challenge your friends to a game of beach volleyball, and create memories to last a lifetime! Afterwards, head back to your Harris Property and have a cookout with friends and family. It doesn’t get much better than that!

3. Attend the Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

You definitely won’t want to miss out on the annual Gulf Shores Memorial Day Weekend Celebration. Head to the Park at OWA and bring in the beginning of summer. There will be tons of family-friendly activities and fun festivities, including a fireworks show on May 23rd! 

4. Celebrate the Beginning of Summer at LuLuPalooza

Boogie your way into summer at Lulupalooza! This free event held at Lulu’s offers tons of family fun, delicious food, and great live music. The concert starts at 12 p.m. on May 23rd, 2020 and goes all night long on the outdoor boat stage. But the fun doesn’t end there! While you’re at Lulu’s, make sure to climb the Mountain of Youth Ropes Course and win prizes at the Arcade. 

Book Your Stay in a Harris Property

Are you ready for an action-packed Memorial Day Weekend in Gulf Shores, Alabama? Experience your long weekend to the fullest when you book your stay in a Harris Property. We offer a wide range of gorgeous rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Whether you prefer a beachfront property, a home with a private pool, a large family home, or a pet-friendly accommodation, we are sure to have the ideal vacation rental for your vacation. Check our availability and contact us to book your stay today

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5 of the Best Reasons to Book Large Group Rentals in Gulf Shores

Vacation planning can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to decide on the best accommodations for a large group. However, it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re planning a wedding, a family reunion, or a friend’s getaway, there are so many reasons to choose a vacation rental over a hotel. Here are five reasons to book large group rentals in Gulf Shores with Harris Vacation Rentals! 

Take the stress out of vacation planning when you book one of our large group rentals in Gulf Shores. Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we will ensure that you have everything you need for a memorable gathering. Contact us today to start planning your next unforgettable vacation! 

Top 5 Reasons to Book Large Group Rentals in Gulf Shores

1. Save Money

As property size goes up, so does cost—but not every company keeps that ratio reasonable. With a Harris Property Gulf Shores vacation rental, you can enjoy a gorgeous beach home with room for ten people for just $20 per person per night. If you’ve got a party where everyone can pitch in, this quickly becomes a much better deal than a hotel!

2. Enjoy An Unbeatable Beachfront Location

Our large vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, AL, enjoy phenomenal proximity to the shoreline. For those who have always dreamed of falling asleep to the sound of the waves or waking up to the distant call of gulls, these properties are perfect. The beachfront dream is one many people chase—why not enjoy it yourself, if only for a few days?

3. Walk to the Best Attractions

When you stay in a Harris Property, you’ll enjoy a convenient location near all of the best restaurants, shops, activities, and attractions. Many of our homes are just steps from the Gulf; in fact, many of our rental properties are so close to the beach, you could throw a football into the waves from your porch! Enjoy being just minutes from it all. 

4. You Can Bring Fido!

Anyone who has tried renting knows that many lessors are not fond of pets. But at Harris Vacation Rentals, we know how important our furry friends are, and want to make vacations easier by allowing them. Look for the pawprint in the upper-right of the property’s picture to see if it’s a pet-friendly rental. Your dog or cat can enjoy your beach palace with you! So, if you have a large party to stay with, choose Harris Vacation Rentals. 

5. Experience Gulf Shores to the Fullest

Unlike generic hotels, Harris Property vacation homes offer an experience that simply can’t be beat. It’s so much easier to enjoy quality time together when you’re all underneath the same roof. Gather with family and friends around the dining room table and share great food and conversation. Play games of sand volleyball on the beach. Build sandcastles and build memories to last a lifetime in one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth! Your getaway awaits.

Book Your Stay With Harris Vacation Rentals Today!

Book your stay in Barefoot!If you’re searching for large vacation home rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan, we’ve got you covered! With room to comfortably accommodate 28 guests, Barefoot would be an excellent option for your stay. You’ll love the private heated pool, great location, and unbeatable views from nearly every room! Another great home suitable for large groups is Big Blue. There’s room for everyone to spread out in this spacious 4-level,  7-bedroom accommodation with multiple porches and balconies. So, what are you waiting for? Browse all of our large group rentals and book your stay today! We can’t wait to welcome you to paradise.

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First Time Visiting Gulf Shores? Here’s What You Need to Know

There’s just something special about that first visit to the beautiful beaches in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Nothing quite compares to the feeling of slipping off your shoes, walking barefoot across the sand and dipping your toes in the Gulf of Mexico. If it’s your first time visiting Gulf Shores, welcome! Read on to learn about some of the best things to see and do along our sugar-white shores.

Visiting Gulf Shores for the first time? Enjoy your beach getaway to the fullest when you book a Harris Vacation Rentals vacation rentalWe’ve got the best properties around!

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6 Must-Do Activities for Your First Gulf Shores Vacation

1. Visit the Welcome Center

 After settling into your Gulf Shores condo, the first thing you should do is visit the Gulf Shores Welcome Center. Get a coupon book for goodies like free desserts or appetizers at restaurants, as well as discounts on local attractions. Plus, hear about special events taking place during your visit from the friendly and knowledgeable Welcome Center staff.

The Gulf Shores Welcome Center also provides an official vacation guide, free Wi-Fi access, and public computer terminals. It’s open seven days a week, but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.

2. Take Your Photo at The Shark’s Mouth

Next, head to Souvenir City and get your picture taken in the shark’s mouth! It’s a longstanding tradition for families. After you walk through the attraction, browse the store, packed full of great T-shirts, glassware and other gifts to take home. Everyone enjoys the fudge!

3. Have a Blast at The Wharf

You could easily spend the entire day browsing the many shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions at The Wharf at Orange Beach. You’ll definitely want to check out the mini-golf courses, arcades, movie theatres, and Alabama’s longest zipline course. And if there’s one thing you absolutely must do, it’s ride the Ferris Wheel! This iconic landmark gives you tree-top views of the coast and costs just $5 per person (kids aged 3 and under ride free).  When night falls, make sure to stay for one of the SPECTRA shows. The popular sound and light spectacular happens nightly and is an experience like no other! Admission is free.

4. Listen to Live Music at Lulu’s

LuLu’s is a family-friendly destination restaurant located just over the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge. A favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike, LuLu’s takes the coastal theme to the extreme with great outdoor seating, children’s activities, and entertainment on stage every night of the week. It’s a must-see if you’re visiting Gulf Shores for the first time! 

 5. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The zoo, which opened in 1989, is now home to about 500 animals. See alligators, monkeys, lemurs, tigers and more. Get an up-close look at animals in their natural habitat! Play with lemurs, baby kangaroos and sloths. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, you’ll love every second of your visit to this world-class zoo.

6. Take a Sunset Stroll Along the Beach

It may be last on the list, but it’s the one thing you absolutely have to do while visiting our beautiful beaches on a first-time Gulf Shores vacation. There’s just something magical about watching the sun sink low into the horizon before disappearing into the aquamarine Gulf waters. Who are we kidding? It’s something you’ll want to do each and every visit.

What Is the Weather Like in Gulf Shores?

Many of our first-time guests ask us when is the best time to visit Gulf Shores. Long story short, the weather is great all year ‘round! Fall is a beautiful season with highs in the mid-70s and lows in the high 40s. Winter doesn’t get much colder, though there may be some heavy jacket days in January and February. By spring, everyone’s ready to hit the beach again as temperatures warm up. Summertime brings highs near 100 degrees, but the cool breeze from the Gulf keeps it nice for beach-goers.

Where to Stay in Gulf Shores

When it comes to the best accommodations in Gulf Shores, AL, look no further than Harris Vacation Rentals! Our gorgeous vacation homes and condos have everything you need for a memorable first time visiting Gulf Shores. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront home, a rental with a private pool, or a large family home, we are sure to have the ideal accommodation for your getaway. Are you ready to make memories to last a lifetime? Browse our properties and contact us to book your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you to paradise!

 

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How to Plan the Best Romantic Getaway in Gulf Shores for Couples

Sugar-white sand, aquamarine waters, and beautiful weather – is there anything more beautiful than the Alabama Coast? Gulf Shores is the ideal vacation destination for those times when you just want to sweep up your loved one on a whirlwind romantic escape into a serene and tropical locale. Come bask in the sunshine, play in the sea, and make memories you two will treasure for a lifetime. Read on to learn more about the perfect Gulf Shores romantic getaway for couples. Then, start planning your own!

From dolphin cruises to snorkeling adventures and beyond, there are plenty of fun things to do in gulf shores for couples. And when you book a vacation rental with Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll receive up to $100 off local tours and activities through TripShock! It’s a great deal for guests who are considering their own romantic Gulf Shores couples getaway.

Romantic Things to Do in Gulf Shores, AL for Couples

1. Go on an Adventure Together

Gulf Shores has a number of romantic Gulf Shores activities for couples. During the day, you can explore the best of Gulf Shores by hiking or biking on nature trails like the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, taking a dolphin sightseeing cruise, or renting a kayak or surfboard and hitting the water. If thrills are more of your thing, get your blood pumping on a wild ride on ziplines like those offered by Hummingbird Ziplines, or charter a parasail for a tandem ride above the water! Or, take a deep sea dive into the Gulf and swim amongst the colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs. The possibilities are endless! 

Are you looking for more recommendations about activities and attractions in Gulf Shores? Check out our blog for ideas! 

2. Lounge By the Beach

Of course, no trip to Gulf Shores is complete without paying a visit to the miles of pristine, white-sand beaches. Spend a relaxing day lounging on the shore or splashing in the refreshing surf. Take a stroll along the shoreline, hand in hand, and soak up the sights while gazing out over the blue-green waves of the Gulf of Mexico. The fresh sea breezes will carry you to a state of pure bliss! 

3. Indulge in a Romantic Dinner For Two

For a delectable date night dinner, there are casual and fine dining options galore. While there are many amazing Gulf Shores restaurants to choose from, one of our favorites is the upstairs of Fisher’s at the nearby Orange Beach Marina. This is a go-to spot for a fancy dinner. Between the excellent cuisine and beautiful views, it is worth every penny! For more laid-back atmosphere, try The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails or Sea-N-Suds Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Share a plate of fresh oysters and watch the sunset while you dine. It’s the perfect way to end another day in paradise! 

4. Unwind at the Spa

When you’re craving a little downtime, relax with a trip to the spa. There are many excellent spas in Gulf Shores that offer services specifically for couples. Unwind with a soothing couple’s massage at CC’s Salon and Day Spa or try an Elemental Nature Massage at Serenity at the Beach. You’re both sure to leave feeling refreshed, restored, and completely relaxed! 

Weddings in Gulf Shores 

And don’t forget! Gulf Shores, AL is the perfect place to plan your beach wedding. With gorgeous sunsets, plenty of available locales, and a wide variety of wedding planning services throughout the area, nothing is more romantic – or more memorable – than a Gulf Shores wedding!

Book Your Gulf Shores, Alabama, Romantic Getaway Today!

When you’re planning a romantic tropical getaway with your loved one, you don’t want subpar lodging to ruin the vibe and dampen the fun. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for anything less than the best when you book your stay with Harris Vacation Rentals! Unlike generic hotels, our beautiful vacation rentals have everything you need for a memorable romantic escape! Our intimate homes and condos in Gulf Shores offer the privacy and comfort you desire. Whether you prefer a luxury home, a cozy cottage, or a villa by the beach, we are sure to have the ideal property for your stay.

Located right in the heart of Gulf Shores, 50 Shades of Blue is an excellent accommodation for couples. Enjoy the cozy, coastal ambiance, relax on either of the two decks, or head to the beach! Contact our reservations team today to learn more about the fantastic vacation rentals that we have to offer with stunning views and peaceful locations perfect for spending time together.

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